Nottingham Forest, Preston North End and Queens Park Rangers are among Championship clubs eager to take Elliot Anderson on loan next season thanks to the Newcastle United prospect's dazzling displays for Bristol Rovers.
The 19-year-old is on loan at the Mem until the end of the season, and his haul of three goals and three assists coupled with numerous eye-catching performances have injected momentum into Rovers' promotion bid.
The Magpies youngster is sure to be playing at a higher level next season after showing such authority on the ball in League Two, and the Sunday Mirror reports Forest, Preston and QPR are among the sides eying up a loan move if Newcastle manager Eddie Howe believes Anderson is not ready for Premier League action next season.
Luton Town were also interested in January before deciding against the move due to Anderson's inexperience. Hatters assistant manager Mick Harford has been a the Mem to watch Rovers and Anderson play since.
Howe has confirmed that another loan move is an option for the playmaker. He told Chronicle Live: "I think it's very difficult for young players to make that jump into the team, coming from the 18s to the 23s to the first team. It's probably one of the hardest transitions you have to make at Premier League level.
“It's very, very difficult. That's why the loan system is so important, so if I can't guarantee him that game time, then definitely a loan spell will be an option again."
Anderson has been a star contributor for the Gas since his arrival and Rovers boss Joey Barton said his performance against Bradford City on Saturday was "worth the admission fee alone".
Howe was full of praise for Rovers when asked about Anderson's progress since joining late on deadline day, perhaps boding well for their hopes of taking on more Newcastle prospects in future.
"He's a very, very talented player, also with a great mindset," Howe said. "Elliot's one of those people that you can see he's very driven, very focused, wants to do well, wants to achieve.
“He's got a slight edge to his game as well, where nothing will stand in his way to help him get on and progress.
“That's why I felt the loan period was so important for him. I felt if I couldn't give him those opportunities, he needed to go out and consolidate his really good training work, and I think he's done that.
“I have said before we wanted to try to get him slightly higher up the pyramid because I felt his talents deserved that, but I felt the most important thing was for him to actually play and Bristol Rovers have been very good.
“They've been a really good home for him and a really good fit, and I hope he comes back in the summer and consolidates that good work."
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